Twenty Metro Denver Businesses Honored by Mile High United Way for Outstanding Commitment to Community

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Last week, Mile High United Way honored 20 local Metro Denver businesses for their exceptional contribution to the community through their Mile High United Way corporate and employee giving campaigns. The Campaign Victory Celebration held at the Mile High United Way Morgridge Center for Community Change, awarded companies big and small for giving levels, creativity, and demonstration for their overall commitment to the community.

“We are so grateful for every Mile High United Way corporate partner, and are thrilled to be able to recognize these companies," said Christine Benero, President and CEO of Mile High United Way. “This is what happens when a community unites together.”

DENVER, CO (PRWEB)February 24, 2016

Last week, Mile High United Way honored 20 local businesses for their exceptional contribution to the community through their Mile High United Way corporate and employee giving campaigns. The Campaign Victory Celebration held at the Mile High United Way Morgridge Center for Community Change, awarded companies big and small for giving levels, creativity, and demonstration for their overall commitment to the community.

“We are so grateful for every single Mile High United Way corporate partner, and are thrilled to be able to recognize these companies who have gone above and beyond for their community, said Christine Benero, President and CEO of Mile High United Way. “This is what happens when a community unites together.”

Mile High United Way works with more than 800 companies in Metro Denver to raise nearly $27 million annually. This supports long-term solutions ensuring children are learning and reading at grade-level; young people graduate from high school ready for college or the workforce; and families and individuals have their basic needs met and are afforded every opportunity to move toward economic success.

Each year Mile High United Way highlights corporations who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the community through their employee giving and engagement through volunteerism. The 2015-2016 Mile High United Way awardees include:

Cornerstone Society Members: Contributing more than $1 million dollars to Mile High United Way this year:
CenturyLink, PCL Construction, Wells Fargo, and Xcel Energy.

Champion of Hope: The Champion of Hope is the highest award given to companies for not only running an outstanding workplace campaign, but also for their deep commitment to the community. Koala Kare achieved a 95% participation rate and increased their giving by $10,000. Nelnet raised $104,000 this year and saw a 14% increase in giving. KPMG increased their overall campaign giving by $200,000, raising $768,000. Enterprise Holdings pledged over $620,000 to the community and has experienced a 56% increase in participation over the last five years.

Spirit of Hope: Spirit of Hope is given to newly-launched giving campaigns. American Family Insurance raised $30,000 and had over 150 donors. Bruton’s Books, founded by David Bruton, Jr., Denver Bronco, and recent Super Bowl Champion, committed to investing $26,000 to create the first United Way Club Connect in Colorado.

Best Employee Engagement and Boots on the Ground: Presented to Xcel Energy for outstanding achievement in employee education and engagement year-round. Xcel Energy is Mile High United Way’s largest corporate partner; with more than $20 million dollars in lifetime giving and more than $1.26 million invested this year. Xcel Energy has employees on several Mile High United Way volunteer committees, and hosts their annual Xcel Energy Day of Service in partnership with Mile High United Way and partner agencies.

Best Campaign Event: Presented to MillerCoors for utilizing creativity to increase donor participation. MillerCoors had a branding change and hosted a procurement sale for their employees. 100% of the proceeds went to Mile High United Way, and the company matched the donations 1:1, raising $87,878.

Best Collaboration and Innovation: 2nd Annual ‘Energy United’ Duck Derby. Energy United is a new and exciting collaboration with Mile High United Way’s energy industry partners. Led by Anadarko Petroleum, Energy United provided ready-made opportunities – like sending 800 yellow rubber ducks down Cherry Creek for a duck derby -- for the energy industry to work together to support Mile High United Way and the Metro Denver Community. The seven companies include: Anadarko Petroleum, Xcel Energy, Suncor, Newalta, Suncor Energy, QEP Resources, Black Hills Energy and Atmos Energy.